Can Sinopec and Shell gasoline be mixed?
3 Answers
Gasoline can be mixed, and here are the relevant details: Gasoline can be mixed: For gasoline from different companies, the country has strictly standardized the main components of additives in gasoline. Even if mixed, it will not cause harm. In emergency situations, Sinopec and PetroChina gasoline can be mixed occasionally, but from a long-term perspective, it is not recommended to mix gasoline from different oil companies. Gasoline composition: The main components of gasoline are C5-C12 aliphatic hydrocarbons and cycloalkanes, as well as a certain amount of aromatic hydrocarbons. Gasoline has a high octane number (anti-knock combustion performance) and is classified into grades such as 89, 92, and 95 based on the octane number. Gasoline is produced by refining different gasoline components obtained from petroleum refining, such as straight-run gasoline components, catalytic cracking gasoline components, and catalytic reforming gasoline components, and then blending them with high-octane components. It is mainly used as fuel for spark-ignition internal combustion engines in automobiles.
I've been driving for nearly thirty years, and mixing Sinopec and Shell fuels is perfectly normal. The base oil components of gasoline are almost identical, all meeting national standards like China VI gasoline grades – mixing won't harm your engine. The difference might lie in some additives; Shell's detergents are reportedly more efficient, while Sinopec's additives are equally reliable, but the engine ECU can automatically adjust to these variations. I frequently mix fuels myself, filling up at whichever station is convenient during long trips, and my car has never had any issues. In fact, mixing can save money – just go for the cheaper option. A word of caution: if your car is very old or modified, it's better to stick to one brand to avoid potential compatibility issues. Overall, mixing fuels is absolutely safe – don't believe those rumors.
From the perspective of learning automotive principles, mixing Sinopec and Shell gasoline is feasible. The basic composition of gasoline is similar, with nearly identical octane ratings, so mixing won't cause stratification or misfires. The additive packages differ—Shell may enhance carbon deposit removal while Sinopec focuses on stability—but the mixing ratio is small, and the engine's fuel system can adapt. When mixed, the gasoline blends uniformly in the tank, and the ECU simply makes minor adjustments to the ignition timing. I regularly add a bottle of fuel system cleaner to maintain cleanliness. For daily fuel selection, choosing based on discounts or convenience makes mixing acceptable. There's little difference between new and old cars, but high-compression engines should be more cautious.
